Future Focused

Welcome to the 2025-26 Future Focused Newsletter. This is your go-to space for college readiness, career insights, and valuable resources to help you succeed. Whether you're seeking guidance, learning new skills, or questioning what you want to do after high school, this newsletter is designed to foster a sense of confident decision making and growth. Stay tuned for exciting updates, tips, and college/career readiness opportunities as we work together toward a bright future!

This month, we honor the voices, victories, and visionaries who turned adversity into strength and paved the way for generations to come.

Kimberly Bryant is the Founder and Executive Director of Black Girls CODE, a non-profit organization focused on introducing girls of color (ages 7-17) to the field of technology and computer programming with a concentration on entrepreneurial concepts. Ms. Bryant's has enjoyed a very successful professional career as a Biotechnology Engineer in a series of technical leadership roles for various Fortune 100 companies such as Genentech, Merck, and Pfizer. She serves on the National Champions Board for the National Girls Collaborative Project, and the National Board of the NCWIT K-12 Alliance. In August 2012, she was also given the honor of receiving the prestigious Jefferson Award for Community Service for her work to support communities in the Bay Area with Black Girls Code and was selected by Business Insider in 2013 on its list of Business Insider.com’s list of The 25 Most Influential African-Americans in Technology.

February 1-5 * National School Counselors Week

February 3 * National Women Physicians Day

February 4 * National Mail Carrier Day

February 5 * National Weatherperson's Day

February 9-15 * Cardiovascular Professionals Week

February 21-28* National Engineers Week

February 23 * National Hospitality Workers Appreciation Day

Ready to kickstart your college journey? Click here for an updated list of scholarships, in order, by deadline. Don’t wait: start applying today and get one step closer to your dream school!

CMU Chippewas are all about community, and joining a community can literally pay off for your students.
Applications are open now through January 15 for these competitive scholarships:

• Leader Advancement Scholarship. Rewards dedicated leaders with $2,000 per year. Minimum 3.0 GPA required.
  
• Multicultural Advancement/Lloyd M. Cofer Scholarships. Rewards students committed to equality and inclusion. Valued between $4,125 annually and a full-ride. No minimum GPA required.

The first step is applying for admission. After submitting an application for admission, eligible students will find these scholarship opportunities in their applicant portal.

Brainstorm Before Researching Scholarships

• Create a comprehensive list of your accomplishments.

• Sports, clubs, babysitting, church, leadership, work experience, family care, etc.

Answer the following common scholarship questions:

• Tell us about yourself.

• Describe a time you overcame adversity.

• What do you plan to study in college? Why?

• What makes you unique?

• Describe how you have demonstrated leadership ability in your community.

Be Thorough During The Search

• Find free scholarship search services.

• Seek out community resources, including community foundations, community groups, cultural organizations, employers, places of worship, and high school counselors.

• Pay attention to qualifications and requirements (every scholarship is different).

• Make a list of scholarships you will apply for.

• Prioritize your list by deadline.

• Add details of all materials required for submission.

Complete Your Applications

• Work on one scholarship at a time.

• Reread specifications of the essay.

• Create an outline using your brainstorm topics.

• Show the reader; don’t just tell them

• Use specific examples.

• Write multiple drafts. Never submit a first draft essay.

• Proofread! Proofread! Proofread! Have a trusted adult or a peer read over your final draft prior to submission.

Time To Submit!

• Make sure your application has all required documents.

• Double check that your essay answered all prompts given.

• Make a copy! Always keep a record of your submissions.

• File your FAFSA at studentaid.gov
• Click here for step-by-step instructions for families!
• Keep knocking out scholarships – local, regional, and national!
• Don’t leave free money on the table: Click to learn how the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) can help pay for college.
• Stay organized
• Create an email just for college and career information. Keep it professional!
• Seek support when needed and breathe! We're here to guide you through! 🙂

Don’t forget, 20 hours of community service are required for graduation. If you still need hours, now’s the perfect time to get involved! Many local organizations are ready to welcome student volunteers, including:

• Angels' Place

• Friendship Circle

• Oakland County Foster Closet: Contact Ms. Michele at (248) 419-4487

• Southfield Parks & Recreation

Be sure to log your hours. Let’s finish strong, Class of 2026!

Thinking about becoming a Golden Grizzly? High school students can now explore Oakland University’s upcoming Undergraduate Admissions events. Visit the Undergraduate Admissions homepage to view information sessions, campus tours, special visit days, and other opportunities designed to help you learn more about OU and take your next steps toward enrollment. Check out the full list of events and plan your visit today!

• 02/21/26 - Business Day
• 02/25/26 - Welcome Reception
• 03/14/26 - Go for the Gold
• 03/18/26 - Welcome Reception for Presidential Scholars

Attending Wayne State University's Spring Open House is one of the best ways to experience life as a Wayne State Warrior. You will have the chance to learn about student life, hear from staff and faculty in your academic area of interest, and participate in a campus tour. With 375 academic programs and more than 600 student organizations, there is something for everyone at Wayne State University. Join the in person 2026 Spring Open House on Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.! Register here.

Join the Open House on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and explore whether Western Michigan University is the right place for you. Western is a place where students turn curiosity into confidence and interests into real-world experience. Come experience the campus, meet the people, and see how your story could begin at Western. Register here.

The Michigan College Guide is a tool to help scholars find a path to the right colleges. This is a comprehensive guide to Michigan's public and private colleges and universities. Click here to take a look!

Join Girls Who Code's virtual Summer Programs and embark on an exciting coding adventure! With the flexible Pathways option, you'll gain coding skills, make lifelong friends, and connect with industry mentors. Pathways is a self-paced, six-week program focused on AI, cybersecurity, and more, with real-world projects and pro insights. Applications are open and only available for students grades 8-12. Apply by February 25 for priority consideration. Applications close on April 10, 2026. No fees, just fun and learning! Click here for more information and here to apply.

Calling all Class of 2027 all-stars! Harper Academy 4 Future Nuclear Engineers is a summer program hosted by the University of Michigan (U of M) for high achieving high school students matriculating into their senior year. The program will be held on campus and is designed to assist participants prepare for college life as a nuclear engineering college freshman. The program will pay cohorts a generous stipend and could ultimately lead to a career fighting global greenhouse emissions as a nuclear engineer. The application deadline is February 28, 2026. Click here to apply.

Wolverine Pathways is a pre-college program for residents of Detroit and Southfield. The goal of the program is to help students prepare for higher education. Graduates of the program who are also accepted to the University of Michigan will receive a full tuition scholarship. The application for the program is open and is only available for 6th and 9th-grade students. The application window will close on February 28, 2026. For more information and the application, please click here.

SMASH Academy is an intensive, hands-on STEM program designed to help rising 11th and 12th grade students deepen their curiosity, strengthen their skills, and explore pathways to STEM careers. Scholars participate in tuition-free, residential and virtual programming in partnership with leading colleges and universities across the country. Program dates are July 11-July 31, 2026. The application deadline is March 1, 2026. Click here to apply.

Wayne State School of Medicine's Medical Mentors Pathway Program’s (M2P2) mission is to provide highly motivated class of 2026 and 2027 students with a 6 week summer program that provides direct exposure to a career in medicine. Students explore a variety of medical specialties during three, 2 week long rotations while directly interacting with attending physicians, residents and other healthcare providers to gain exposure and a better understanding of what is required in order to become a physician. Admitted students must complete several required assignments and attend didactics over the course of the program that help to build a solid foundation of information that can be used in their quest of becoming physicians. Program dates are June 24 to August 6, 2026. The application deadline is March 13, 2026. Click here to apply.

Harvard University offers many free online courses on edX, such as Computer Science, Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python, and Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking. The courses cover a wide range of subjects, including data science, humanities, and public health. Click here to explore!

Unlock the future of AI for teens with IBM Skills Build! Learn the basics of this awesome technology and kickstart your skills with these free courses. Explore cutting-edge technologies, build essential workplace skills, and earn digital credentials to showcase what you’ve learned. Click here to register.

The University of Pennsylvania offers high school students a gateway to explore intellectually stimulating subjects and gain valuable knowledge with online courses such as Big Data and Education and Intellectual Property Law and Policy. Click here to view their catalog of courses.

Skilled trades offer excellent career options with good pay and great opportunities. These in-demand jobs are in industries like healthcare, IT, manufacturing, construction, and automotive. In Michigan, employers are looking to fill over 520,000 skilled trades jobs, with 45,000 new openings each year. Click here for a helpful resource with more information on career paths, schools, and average salaries.

Interested in skilled trades and heavy equipment? Caterpillar offers a pre-apprenticeship program for high school juniors and seniors that combines online and hands-on training. Students can earn industry-recognized certifications and gain direct connections to the Operating Engineers union: an excellent pathway into high-demand careers in the trades. Click here for more information.

With Home Depot's Path to Pro program, a career in the trades has never been more attainable. Scholars can learn about jobsite safety, tools and construction materials, team building, communication skills, and the basics of the most in-demand trades for free! The Program is open to individuals who are at least 16 years old and have obtained permission from their parent or legal guardian. Click here for more information.

The Multicultural Apprenticeship Program (MAP) is a four-week summer experience program sponsored by the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) at MSU. MAP is designed to give high school students the opportunity to experience college life and to explore the many exciting educational and career opportunities in the agricultural and food sciences, natural resources and related fields. MAP is designed for high school students currently in 10th and 11th grades who have strong interest and aptitude in science, math and other academic areas. Program dates are July 5-July 31, 2026. Application deadline is March 13, 2026. Click here for more details.

MathWorks Math Modeling (M3) Challenge is an entirely internet-based math modeling competition with no registration or participation fees for high school juniors and seniors. Schools in the U.S., England, and Wales are eligible to enter in teams of three to five students. Over $2 million has been awarded through 2025. Registration deadline is February 20, 2026. Click here for more information.

The New York Times My List competition invites students aged 13-19 to recommend 3-5 works of art or culture in 600 words. Students should organize their list around a theme and begin their review with an introduction. Submissions are due February 25, 2026. Click here for more information.

Learning to be Heard is powered by the TED Summer School, the Global Public Speaking Challenge invites high school students aged 14–18 to submit a short video response to the prompt, sharing a message they would want the world to hear. The focus is on ideas, authenticity, and potential, not on advanced public speaking skills. Best submissions may be awarded full or partial scholarships to attend the TED Summer School in summer 2026, where students learn how to develop and communicate ideas with clarity and confidence. Submissions are due February 26, 2026. Click here for more information.
‍

The World of 8 Billion Student Video Contest invites middle and high school students worldwide to take on the challenge of creating a 60-second video that explains how population growth affects one of this year’s three global topics and presents a creative, sustainable solution. Over 80 student winners will receive up to $1,200 in cash prizes. Mini grant opportunities for educators. Submissions are due March 4, 2026. Click here for more information.

Beamline for Schools (BL4S) is a physics competition for high school students from all around the world. Teams of high school students are invited to propose an experiment that they want to perform at the beamline of a particle accelerator. The teams that submit the best proposals win a trip to one of these laboratories to perform their experiments at a fully equipped beamline. Submissions are due March 13, 2026. Click here for more information.

Educators Rising is a community­ based movement designed to support students interested in pursuing a career in education. All Michigan middle and high school students interested in pursuing a career in education are welcome to attend and participate in the conference at no charge on March 18, 2026 from 8 a.m to 3:45 p.m. at Wayne State University. Click here for more information

The Oakland County Acorn2Oak program offers grants to young individuals ages 8-18 who are passionate about making a difference. This initiative is designed to help youth bring their business ideas, community projects, educational goals, and extracurricular pursuits to life. Applicants can receive grants of up to $1,000 to support business development, community impact, educational achievements, and extracurricular activities. However, funds cannot be used for tuition, ongoing expenses, sporting equipment, or team registration fees. Don't miss out – the application deadline for this cycle is March 15th! Click here for more information.

The Aspirnaut Summer Research Internship at U-M offers Michigan high school students going into their senior year a chance to experience life as professional scientists. During this six-week residential summer program, students join real research projects led by University of Michigan scientists, contributing to active discoveries. Living on campus, they explore STEM careers, develop research skills and gain firsthand insight into university life. Interns will receive payment in the amount of $3000.00 to participate in the program, which will be divided into three payments over the course of the program. Application deadline is February 15, 2026. Click here for more details.

Join the WSU Math Corps Summer Camp & High School Bridge Program for students entering grades 7th-9th in the fall. High school students entering grades 10th-12th can apply as paid Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Program Assistants (PAs). Students must be a resident of Detroit, Hamtramck, or Highland Park. Thanks to the support of Wayne State University and generous donors, tuition is free for all students. Program dates are July 6 – August 13, 2026.

• Middle school students will receive instruction from University faculty and engage in fun, hands-on learning led by college and high school students.
• High school TAs and PAs will gain teaching experience and deepen their math knowledge.
• All accepted students receive program supplies and a Math Corps T-shirt.

Application deadline for high school: April 24, 2026, or until all spots are filled, and May 1, 2026 for middle school. Click here for more details and application instructions.

Oakland County Michigan Works! helps youth ages 16-24 pursue internships year-round. Positions are available in a various industries at locations throughout Oakland County. If you would like to explore internship options with a career advisor, please complete the Oakland NEXT Application and select “Internship” as the program of interest. A career advisor will reach out to you directly to discuss available internship opportunities and help you move forward on your career pathway to success!

Students wanting to get involved in environmental advocacy should consider the offerings of Seaside Sustainability, which allows student interns from all over the world to join the fight for climate action in a remote environment. From writing and editing newsletters, to researching climate adaptation strategies, to devising strategies to improve environmental literacy, there are ways for everyone to get involved in saving our planet. Click here for more information.

The U.S. Department of State's Pathways Internship Program includes both the Internship Experience Program (IEP) and the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP). Both programs are targeted toward U.S. citizens enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions from high school to graduate school and professional academic levels. Both programs provide students with opportunities to explore Federal careers while being paid for the work performed. Internship vacancy announcements are posted on USAJobs, year-round, on an as-needed basis with positions located across the United States. Click here for more information.

Detroit Parks Coalition (DPC) is seeking passionate and enthusiastic youth ambassadors to help bridge the gap! As a Youth Ambassador, you will play a vital role in bridging the gap between the city's parks organizations and its younger residents. Your responsibilities will include representing youth interests on parks organizations' boards, creating engaging social content, and fostering community engagement in park activities and programs. This is an exciting opportunity for Detroit residents ages 15-23 that are passionate about parks, community engagement, and making a positive impact in their surrounding communities. This is a paid position from March 2026-October 2026 with an expected time commitment of no more than 10-15 hours per month. Click here for more information.

Burger King store is currently hiring Part-Time Crew Members to support their Southfield locations. This is a great opportunity to provide superior customer service to your local community! Applicants must be at least 16 years of age. Click here to apply.

Gordon Food Service store is currently hiring Part-Time Store Associates to support their Royal Oak location. This is a great opportunity to provide superior customer service to your local community! Applicants must be at least 16 years of age. Click here to apply.

McDonald’s in Oak Park is currently hiring Crew Team Members. They offer opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed every day. By offering industry-leading education programs and world-class training, they provide opportunities that inspire confidence and foster valuable skills to help employees thrive wherever they are on their journey. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age. Click here to apply.

The City of Livonia Parks & Recreation is offering several part-time positions for high school students ages 15 and older. Parks & Rec Level 1 contains the following positions:

• Athletic Attendant (must be at least 16 years old)
• Facility Attendant
• Fit Hub Attendant

Click here to apply.

Corewell Health is proud to offer job shadowing experiences for students ages 16 and above to observe a professional and ask questions about their career in a “hands-off” environment. These experiences are permitted up to 40 hours per calendar year. Please note that filling out the form does not guarantee placement, and they are unable to support job shadows with physicians at this time. Click here to express interest in a job shadow experience at Corewell Health.

McLaren Macomb is proud to offer a job shadowing/career observation experience for prospective healthcare students ages 16 and above to gain the experience to observe health-care employees in a workplace setting. Job shadows are typically only available Monday through Friday and are designed to be a one-time observation only for two (2) hours. Click here for more information and here to apply.

The Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner's office is excited to offer job shadowing opportunities for interested persons, ages 16 and older, who are entering or actively participating in the workforce. This unique opportunity provides participants with the opportunity to observe a WRC employee performing their daily work routine in their environment. Their mission is to excite potential candidates about a career in the water industry by allowing them to explore a realistic picture of the tasks performed for a specific job. Participants will receive an official certificate of completion at the end of the job shadow. Submit Your Request for a Job Shadow

Forage is a risk-free way to explore careers with hundreds of free job simulations designed by the world's top employers. Practice your skills with example tasks and build your confidence to ace your applications virtually!

• In just a number of hours, complete a series tasks guided by pre-recorded videos and example answers from teams at leading companies.
• Earn a certificate and add it to your resume and LinkedIn as an extra curricular activity.
• Stand out in applications. Confidently answer interview questions and explain why you're a good fit.
• No live sessions, all self-paced, and no applications or experience required! Click here for more information.

It’s more than words on a page, it’s how you showcase your skills, show off your communication style, craft your professional summary, and make an amazing first impression. Think of it this way: your resume is your first interview. So, what story does yours tell? Check out these examples to get you started!

Imagine this: you’re in an elevator with someone important. What do you say before the doors open? Your 30-second elevator pitch is your secret weapon when networking : a quick, confident way to introduce yourself, share what you’re all about, and leave them wanting more. Ready to wow in half a minute? Let’s craft your perfect pitch here.

It’s more than just answering questions, it’s how you plan your story, prepare your examples, practice your delivery, and present yourself with confidence. Think of it this way: every interview is a performance with a purpose. So, how well are you showcasing your skills and experience? Use the 4 P’s to make a strong, lasting impression from the very first question.

MSU Tollgate Farm Stewards Teen Leadership Program provides a safe place for social, emotional, and physical growth. High School students (Entering Grades 10-12) can take the next steps in leadership by volunteering at Tollgate Farm! Stewards guide campers, collaborate with peers, and assist our educational staff. This final stage in Tollgate’s progressive leadership program showcases Stewards as leaders who are proactive, interactive, and creative problem solvers. No previous Farm Camp experience required. Steward Teen Leadership Program: Weekly Sessions from June 15 - August 28, 2026, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

• 8:30 AM- 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday
• Grades 10-12
• Resume required
• 1st time Stewards must complete a 20-minute virtual interview

Click here for more information.

Mrs. Foster

Career and Education Navigator

University K-12 Academy

Counseling Office

Phone: 810-962-1505

autumn.foster@southfieldk12.org

Click Here to schedule a meeting with me